Morenci city council 2012.12.05

Morenci city council will apply for state funds to cover most of the maintenance costs associated with the Main Street bridge over Bean Creek.

The bridge provides the only link to city’s east and west side without a detour north or south of town.

Council voted to hire Frank Brechting of Brechting Bridge and Engineering to apply for the grant at an expected of $700. Brechting is the inspector who examines the city’s bridges.

The maintenance project—sand blasting and painting—is expected to cost around $100,000. The metal beams under the bridge are included in the project, said city supervisor Barney Vanderpool, and all the paint that’s chipped off must be collected for disposal.

The grant through the Michigan Department of Transportation would cover 95 percent of the cost.

Vanderpool had no recollection of the bridge being painted in the 31 years he’s worked with the city.

ODOR—City hall employees are still puzzled over an odd odor that’s permeated the building off and on for several months.

The sewer lines and furnace have been checked, but the source remains a mystery.

Council voted to spends funds on the problem if necessary.

BACKHOE—The city will seek help with replacement of its backhoe through the Clean Diesel program. Twenty-five percent of the $90,000 unit would be paid through the grant.

PLANNERS—Two residents have joined the Morenci Planning Commission: Lowell Oberhaus and Brad Frederick.

MEETING—The city council next meet on Dec. 10 for its only meeting of the month.